CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER (CSP) INNOVATION ANALYSIS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Authors

  • Toyosi Onalapo Craig Stellenbosch University
  • Alan C Brent Stellenbosch University Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES)
  • Frank Dinter Stellenbosh University Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/28-2-1640

Keywords:

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), South Africa, Technology adoption models

Abstract

South Africa aims to generate 42 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy technology sources by 2030. Concentrating solar power (CSP) is one of the major renewable energy technologies that have been prioritised by South Africa, given the abundant solar resources available in the region. Seven CSP plants have been, or are being, built; three of them are already connected to the national grid. However, the impacts of this technology on South African research, development, and innovation have not been investigated to date. This paper thus analyses the CSP technologies in South Africa in terms of the existing technology adoption models and diffusion strategies, used by government and its agencies, to improve the development and deployment of these technologies. It is found that CSP has been treated generally like other renewable energy technologies through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), although a tariff plan for CSP plants of the future has been made. No specific technology diffusion or adoption model for CSP was found; so this paper explores how it can be developed.

Author Biographies

Toyosi Onalapo Craig, Stellenbosch University

PhD Candidate

Industrial Engineering Department

Alan C Brent, Stellenbosch University Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES)

Professor

Industrial Engineering Department

Frank Dinter, Stellenbosh University Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG)

Professor

Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department

 

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Published

2017-09-04

How to Cite

Craig, T. O., Brent, A. C., & Dinter, F. (2017). CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER (CSP) INNOVATION ANALYSIS IN SOUTH AFRICA. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 28(2), 14–27. https://doi.org/10.7166/28-2-1640

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2017)

Section

General Articles

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